The day arrived when the family would be leaving to visit Ankita Masi's place for Pooja. Ruhi would be with Saurav. A day before, Vidyut had left for his college trip.

It was morning, and Harsha got Ruhi ready for school.

Harsha (Kneeling down in front of Ruhi): Ruhi, do your best in the exam. If you don't know the answer to a question, move on to the next one.

She regularly gave her instructions as Ruhi and Vidyut prepared for the exams. Ruhi nodded with a giggle.

Harsha (raising her eyebrow): What happened?

Ruhi (giggling): I hear this from you every day. Now, I remember it more than my lessons.

Harsha chuckled pecking her cheeks.

Harsha: Okay okay! All the best, Bache.

Ruhi: Thank you.

Ruhi turned to Shalini for sweet curd, a daily routine for her and Vidyut before their exams. Shalini fed her.

Shalini: All the best. Do well!

Ruhi: Yes yes.

Khushi (giggling): Aa bett, Yuhiiii (All the best Ruhi)

Ruhi (pecking her cheeks): Thank you.

Harsha: Ruhi, now listen to me. You know, right? Me, Dadi and Khushi are going to Masi's place with Anirudh bhaiya.

Ruhi nodded, though her smile faded away. Just as she began to feel comfortable around Harsha, Shalini, and Vidyut, an unexpected twist occurred. Ruhi had never interacted with Anirudh or Saurav before, and now only Saurav would be present with her. This realization made her sad and tears pooled in her eyes, making her orbs shine.

Harsha (pulling her in a hug): Ruhi baby, hum Kal vapas aayege. (Ruhi baby, we will be back tomorrow)

Ruhi nodded, and Shalini pulled towards herself.

Shalini (wiping her tears): Don't cry, Ruhi. Your Saurav bhaiya will be here with you. Don't be scared of him. He will take off our little girl. If you miss me or Khushi, ask Saurav to call us.

Ruhi nodded with a sad pout.

Harsha (caressing Ruhi's cheek): After school, Saurav Bhai will come to pick you up from school. He has some work in an office and will take you there.

Shalini: I will bring a gift for Ruhi, okay?

Ruhi nodded as a small smile made her way towards her lips, making her feel excited for the gift.

Harsha: Dadi, I will go and drop go Ruhi.

Shalini nodded and pecked Ruhi's head once again.

Harsha left with Ruhi and Khushi to drop off Ruhi for her school bus.

After a few minutes, Saurav emerged from his room ready for the office. He saw Shalini lost in her thoughts.

Saurav: Dadi?

Shalini's chain of thought broke, and she looked at Saurav. She patted her lap. Saurav understood the gesture and kneeled down, resting his head on her lap.

Shalini (caressing his hair): I have the answer to your question.

Saurav sighed.

Shalini: Holding onto the past is like having a pet snake; you constantly care for it and feed it, but in the end, it will give you poison. Similarly, when you focus your energy, time, and thoughts on your past, it will consume your present and fill your future with guilt and regret.

Saurav nodded understanding the depth of her words.

After a few minutes, Anirudh walked out.

Anirudh: Ready?

Standing up, Saurav nodded.

Anirudh: Your headache is better now?

Saurav: Yes bhai.

Bidding bye, both left for the office.

Shalini sighed, understanding that Saurav was thinking too much, which was likely the reason for his headache.

...

Anirudh, Shalini, Harsha and Khushi left in the afternoon.

...

Later that evening...

Saurav was waiting outside Ruhi's school for her to leave. As he waited, he noticed a child being scolded by his mother. Looking at them, a flashback played in his mind.

FLASHBACK:

When Saurav was around 10 years old.

He exited the school gate, holding little Vidyut's hand, walking towards their mother.

Vibha (ruffling Saurav's hair): Kya Hua? Itna udaas kyun hai? (What happened? Why you are sad?)

Saurav (playing with his fingers in nervousness): The teacher told me to bring my parents tomorrow.

Vibha (raising her eyebrow): What mischief you have done?

Saurav (making a fake crying face): I am a good boy, mumma.

Vidyut (innocently): Mumma, I won't tell you bhaiya pulled Kirti didi's hair.

Saurav (shocked, whining): Nahi batana tha vidu... (You were not supposed to say that!)

Vidyut (whining cutely): Maine bola nahi batauga bhai. (I said, I won't share that brother)

Vibha chuckled, looking at them. She took Vidyut in her arms and pecked on his cheeks.

Saurav (fake angry pout): Mujhe nahi chaye kissi (I don't want any kiss)

Vibha chuckled, pecking his cheeks and then twisting his ear.

FLASHBACK ENDS

Saurav came back to his senses as he felt a gentle pat on his stomach. He looked down and saw Ruhi standing there.

Saurav (nervously): Shall we go?

Ruhi nodded. He helped her into the passenger seat and secured her with a seatbelt before walking over to the driver's seat. The ride was silent.

Upon arriving at the office, he took Ruhi to his cabin.

Saurav (pointing at the couch): You can sit here and wait for me. I have a meeting. Snacks are arranged, and the washroom is nearby. If you need anything, just let me know.

Ruhi (nodding): Mujhe dadi se baat karni hai. (I want to talk to Dadi.)

Saurav dialed Shalini's number.

Saurav (handing the phone to Ruhi): You talk to her. I'll attend the meeting and come.

Ruhi nodded and took the phone. Saurav then walked out of his cabin.

Ruhi sat on the couch, talking with Shalini on the call.

After the call, she had a sandwich and some juice that Saurav had ordered for her.

To be continued...